Coach: Daniel Anderson
Gains: Justin Poore (Dragons), Shane Shackleton (Roosters), Timana Tahu
(NSW rugby union), Grayson Goodwin (Cronulla Sharks), Pele Peletelese
(Burleigh Bears)
Losses: Josh Cordoba (Hull), Joe Galuvao (Sea Eagles), Broderick Wright (Sharks), Todd Lowrie (Storm), Junior Paulo (Dragons), Taulima Tautai (Cronulla Sharks)
In 2009, Parramatta finished 8th during the regular season but no sure what happened after that. For some reason, the memories have been repressed.
2010 Squad: Luke Burt, Nathan Cayless, Eric Grothe, Jarryd Hayne, Nathan Hindmarsh, Justin Horo, Tom Humble, Krisnan Inu, Kris Keating, Matthew Keating, Taniela Lasalo, Tim Mannah, Feleti Mateo, Anthony Mitchell, Fuifui Moimoi, Daniel Mortimer, Brendan Oake, Justin Poore, Joel Reddy, Tim Robinson, Jeff Robson, Shane Shackleton, Ben Smith, Timana Tahu, Etu Uaisele, Jonathan Wright
The Parramatta Eels draw for 2010.
In 2010, the Eels will…
…carry the heavy burden of expectations after their stellar 2009 run to the grand final. Past seasons the Eels have not carried such a burden with ease usually throwing it off mid-season via indifferent form. Hayne and Mortimer will bear most of the burden with everyone waiting to see if their 2009 seasons were aberrations or the steps to greatness.
But the Eels have bought well during the off season. Poore and Shackleton will make the Eels pack one of the strongest in the competition. And the return of the prodigal son, Tahu, adds class to an already classy backline.
A concern for the Eels is their forward depth. A few key injuries and, without the experience of Kingston and Galuvao from last year, some untried players will need to step up. If they can’t make the transition to first grade then the Eels could lose some of their impact.
And while Robson had a great season, he is not the long term halfback for the club. Kris Keating’s trial form has been quite good and if all goes well, he’ll partner Mortimer in the halves with Robson likely moving to bench for play half back/hooker. One thing to watch out for is the understanding that Keating has with Mateo. I can see them both destroying sides this year if the forwards do their jobs.
It is oft said the footy gods bear no favourites (except may The Storm) and they could easily disrupt Parra’s season with one or two long term injuries. But with all things being equal, the Eels will be in the thick of the finals action again in 2010.
2 responses so far ↓
Mountain Boy // Mar 5, 2010 at 8:02 pm
Good luck Parra. 3 close finishes this century – yet still no major since …1986 – yes, the last time the Earth saw Halley’s comet.
So when is Halley’s expected return: 2062. Surely Parra will win inside the next 76-year orbit. Hmmm.. we’re 23-years and still counting.
Shaun // Mar 5, 2010 at 10:56 pm
Thanks MB. And best of luck to the Panthers. Along with the Bulldogs and Tigers, the West should have a good year.
With the Eels current roster and proposed re-signings (the word is that Dan Mortimer will sign a multi-year deal with the Eels) the next few years are the best chance in a long time to win a premiership.
Hindmarsh will get the premiership that he most assuredly deserves.